Financial stewardship goes much beyond simple resource management of blessings from God. It is also an important acknowledgment of the responsibilities entrusted to us by God. Stewardship takes on special relevance when considering tithes and offerings, since it links faith, charitable giving, and fiscal responsibility together. As we explore the intersections of faith and finance, we will learn the significance of smart giving as a financial steward and how it affects our spiritual lives through charitable giving.
The Bible offers many encouraging words for offering and tithes. The tithes and offering scriptures in the New Testament lay out clearly that we as Christians need to continuously offer our stewardship for God’s resources entrusted to us. So is there any answer for is stewardship the same as tithing? What about how tithes and offerings relate to one another?
What Is the Principle of Tithing in Stewardship?
As Christians, we believe that God owns everything. He has entrusted us to manage His assets according to Scripture. When we tithe, it’s an outward expression of gratitude to God for His blessings, and a part of our role as stewards of His resources. The principle of tithing encompasses several key aspects:
- The act of tithing acknowledges that we owe everything we have to God. It’s a helpful reminder that we are not the rightful owners of the resources God has given us, but stewards of it.
- Tithing is giving in proportion to what God has given us to manage, which includes regular giving first and giving of “unblemished” resources—like income after taxes. Instead, give according to your gross income.
- Tithing isn’t the only method of generous living. While it’s an important piece of faithful stewardship (and was a requirement under Mosaic law), Jesus also emphasized that we cannot neglect justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23).
- The church’s tithes and offerings typically fund its various ministries, outreach programs, and charity initiatives. It allows the church to fulfill its mission and minister to the needs of its congregation and the surrounding area.
- Tithing provides a structured and equitable way for individuals to contribute to the church and its ministries. It ensures that giving is a regular and proportionate part of one’s financial life. ● As Christians, we know God will provide for us if we tithe. Tithing is seen as an application of the “give, and it will be given to you…For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” principle found in Luke 6:38.
Although tithing is a common method of Christian giving, it should not be viewed as a burden. Instead, it’s a demonstration of trust, appreciation and faith, and we are encouraged to contribute cheerfully and generously as we are able.
What Is the Simple Message About Tithes and Offerings?
Simply put, tithes and offerings are acts of worship, obedience, and gratitude. In passages like Leviticus 27:30 and Malachi 3:10, God instructs His people to bring a tithe of their crops and possessions to the storehouse (often the Temple) as an act of obedience and worship. Gifts from the heart, like offerings, are just as important as tithing, since they both show that we acknowledge God’s ownership and supply. Offerings are a sincere expression of gratitude for the blessings of God. They show a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to aid God’s people and further His Kingdom.
What Are Readings on Tithes and Offerings Found In the Bible?
There is a wealth of texts in the Bible that explain the importance of tithing and offering financial support to those in need. These scriptures not only teach us how to steward our resources with integrity but also provide insight into the great spiritual value of these efforts. Here are some key tithes and offering readings from the Bible:
- Malachi 3:8-10: “8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
- Leviticus 27:30: “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
- Luke 11:42: “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
These Bible verses about giving and sharing provide insights into the practice of tithing and offerings, emphasizing the importance of giving faithfully, willingly, and with a cheerful heart.
Thrive with Your Faithful Giving
Giving to charity is one way Christians can honor God with their wealth and fulfill their duty to be good stewards of God’s resources. We at Cornerstone Financial Advisory want to see you succeed as a steward by using the resources you have for God’s glory. To help you be a good steward of the money God has given you, we provide investment techniques that are in line with Christian beliefs and the Bible.
If you’re wanting to explore how biblical wisdom can inform your giving to help you elevate your contributions, glorify God, and be a good steward of your resources, our Let’s Plan to Thrive program will help you deep-dive into the Bible and what God says about your finances.
